Jackson Thagard Fields “Pops” passed away on January 9, 2022, at his home in Prairie Village, KS. Jack was 85 years old, and a beloved father, grandfather, sibling, and friend to many.
Jack was born on October 24, 1936, in New Orleans, LA, the second oldest of five children. Jack and his family moved often, spending time in Louisiana, Alabama, California, and Illinois, where he graduated high school.
He attended college at Emory University, Hofstra, and the University of Alabama, where he was a member of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. Jack left college when his father fell ill to help care for his mother and siblings. Jack’s professional career began as a successful pharmaceutical product salesperson in New York before being offered a job in Kansas City. After moving to Kansas City, Jack married and started a family.
Jack started in the insurance business with Mutual Benefit Life, becoming a lifetime member of the Million Dollar Round Table before becoming an independent agent and starting Kansas City Insurance Agency in 1981. He also served as President of the Mutual Benefit Agents Association. Jack began investing in banks in the 1970s. Through numerous acquisitions and expansions, Jack became the CEO and majority owner of First Community Bank with multiple locations in the Kansas City area and Western Missouri. Jack was also a member of Village Presbyterian Church, the Carriage Club, University Investors (which he served as President and Secretary), and several car organizations.
Jack was known as a generous and loyal family member, friend, and business colleague, always ready to help both with his time and resources. His laugh, catch phrases, and conversation style will be missed by all. Jack loved his family, music, and cars. He rebuilt a car with his brother at an early age and had a fondness for Austin-Healy cars and Corvettes. His daughters and grandchildren cherish the memories from the annual family vacations to Orange Beach, AL.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William H. Fields, Jr., and Carolyn Thagard Fields, and his two brothers William H. Fields, III and John M. Fields.
Surviving Jack is his life-long companion Diane “Diney” Smith, 3 daughters from his marriage to Doris (Evans) Williams, Elaine Jacobs (Jeff Jacobs), Nancy Weeks (Cooper Weeks II), Sarah Jozwiakowski (Randy Jozwiakowski), his seven grandchildren (Jackson Jacobs, Connor Jacobs, John Cooper Weeks, Lyla Weeks, Abby (Nate) Beckerman, Molly Jozwiakowski, and Kate Jozwiakowski), his sisters Betty Petrey (John Walter Petrey) and Carolyn Fields, nieces and nephews, his FCB family and numerous friends.
Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, January 20, at 1:00 at Village Presbyterian Church, Prairie Village, Kansas.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions to Village Presbyterian Church, Child and Family Development Center or the charity of your choice.